CFPnewsfrontpage | Reef ball project under way
Wednesday 28th February, 2007 Posted: 17:03 CIT (22:03 GMT)
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The Marriott Beach Resort is working in collaboration with the Department of Environment and
the visiting US–based Reef Ball Foundation in an effort to protect and restore Cayman’s
spectacular reefs.
This effort is largely in response to the damage
caused by Hurricane Ivan and seeks to
rehabilitate near shore habitats that were lost, a
press release notes. The future of the island is
largely dependant on the accountability of our
local community, it says.
“We are thrilled to host the Reef Ball
Foundation representatives and to have the
opportunity to be involved in such a worth–
while cause. As a community it is essential that
we step up to the plate and take responsibility
for the future of our island,” said Carolina
Voullieme, the Marriott’s Director of Sales and
Marketing.
The Reef Ball Foundation is a non–profit
organisation dedicated to restoring waters and
natural reef ecosystems. Through preservation,
Reef ball technology and innovative public
education projects they aspire to protect the
natural reefs.
Todd Barber, CEO of The Reef Ball
Foundation, has been diving Grand Cayman ’s
reefs for over 20 years and invented “reef balls” – modular artificial reefs – in response to
damage caused by hurricane Gilbert in 1988.
Reef balls have now been used in over 55 countries. His goal in starting the foundation 13
years ago was to ensure that his children can continue to enjoy the same reefs that continue
to captivate him today.
The Marriott’s management team and associates have been learning about the core
foundations of this effort, and as such, Marriott has come to recognise that community
involvement is paramount to its success.
“It is crucial that we educate locals regarding how to protect our environment and ensure that
the natural beauty of our island is preserved for generations to follow, ” said Marriott’s Director
of Operations, Panna Utpaul.
Representatives from the foundation are being complimentarily accommodated at the Marriott
Beach Resort for the duration of their stay on island from of 25 February through 4 March.
While on island they have a challenging agenda to accomplish. They will be building reef balls
for Cayman’s mangroves as well as educating the public how they can contribute to restoring
the waters and natural reef ecosystems.
They are appealing to any volunteer support that they can receive in this effort. On Tuesday,
they began filling the molds for the reef balls on the Marriott property by the pool and they
welcome and encourage guests and locals alike to join in.....